Richard began his interest in broadcasting whilst working as a reporter on the Portsmouth News, in his home town. He became founder member of the local Hospital Broadcasting service.

BBC Radio

In 1971 he started working full time for the BBC as station assistant on BBC Radio Solent. From there he joined the Newsbeat team in 1973.

During the first half of 1981 Richard took over the slot formerly occupied by Mike Read and presented a weekday 8-10pm evening session style programme which included Round Table on Friday evenings, a show where newly released records were played to four pop-music guests and views were given after each record played. He continued to present Round Table until 1985.

Richard presented Rock On Saturday at 5pm, 1980-1982 which featured news, interviews and coverage of the national and international rock scene, later becoming Saturday Live with Andy Batten-Foster until 1985. He presented the Top 40 Sunday show from 1984 - 1986.

Live Aid

'It's 12 noon in London ...' Richard Skinner announced the 1985 concert to the world and Live Aid began with the Coldstream Guards playing the Royal Salute before Status Quo launched into 'Rockin' All Over the World'. He was the main TV interviewer with artists in the Wembley studio

Into the Nineties

From 1988-1991 he focused on album music in his midnight-2AM show and fronted the Saturday Sequence 'Adult Oriented Rock' FM show during the same period.

Virgin 1215

In January 1993 he became joint Programme Controller at Virgin 1215 which opened April 1993, presenting the mid-morning show, He left in October 1997 after launching one of the most successful adult radio stations in the UK.

Richard was heard on Magic1161 (Humberside) and 105.4 (London) radio stations presenting during early 2004.

He was heard on Classic Gold Digital in the UK and is also a presenter for new syndicated 'UK Top 20 Rewind' shows.

Richard returned to Virgin for the Classic Rock DAB launch in May 2004. His live show, was Monday - Saturday from 10am to 2pm.

These Days

From 2006 Richard could be heard Sundays 10am - 1pm on BBC Radio Berkshire.

RADIO REWIND AUDIO CLIPS

Please check Audio Help Page in case of difficulty downloading. You will need a username and password. Please register. Then you will be able to login.